The only adult child, losing both aging parents within weeks of each other.

A floundering marriage of two wounded hearts battling to be loved.

A young adult beginning her life haunted by memories of abuse.

These are just some of the struggles I came in contact with yesterday.

With Thanksgiving is next week, how can these experiences co/exist with gratitude?

What is Gratitude?

Research would reveal many definitions from a scientific point of view and a spiritual reality.

Gratitude has a twofold emphasis, an appreciation for the goodness of life and the connection with something larger than themselves. I.E. to thankfully receive kindness from other people in the community as well as a connection (for believers in Christ) to the divine creator of the universe, Jehovah God.

Is Gratitude Possible through the Struggles of Life?

When a life has been steeped in suffering, disappointments, losses, illness or injustice, how can or why should we choose to live with the mindset of gratitude?

The first Thanksgiving was initiated by the pilgrims as a redemptive response to the tremendous number of deaths after the first year of landing in a foreign world. It became a national holiday in the middle of the civil war and was officially designated to the last Thursday in November following the Great Depression.

In good times we become complacent and are less likely to treasure the gifts of comfort and security to which we have become accustomed.

In a crisis, we become acutely aware of our vulnerabilities, searching for strength and security through actions and connections of others. We also have a greater sensitivity and clarity regarding the goodness that is present in our world. This goodness is a light to a heart that is floundering in the darkness of a chaotic world.

The recent victims of the hurricane in Houston demonstrated profound gratitude for their rescuers and the security of the lives of family members. The gratitude was a grounding force that helped the victims press forward into recovery efforts restoring their homes.

How is Gratitude a Gift?

The benefits of gratitude have been affirmed in books of psychology and proclaimed in spiritual writings including the Bible.

Physically, the practice of gratitude can relieve stress, improve sleep, and decrease pain, improving the immune system and even rewiring the brain. Gratitude changes the perspective of any bad situation heightening the focus on the goodness that gives security and connection.

The biggest hindrance to having gratitude is an attitude of entitlement and self-absorption. This perspective is blind to the graciousness of others. In contrast, humility heightens the awareness the redemptive presences of blessings bring in the turmoil of life.

In Psalm 107 David writes about many experiences of crisis punctuated with the reality of God’s covering in that moment. The first verse, the middle verse and the last verse are some of the verses in that chapter proclaiming gratitude for the secure goodness of God’s love. These verses indicate the benefit of joy and wisdom in the practice of gratitude.

The sacrifice of a thankful heart in Psalms 50 is a soft heart, humbly honoring God, open to His leading. I get a mental picture of a childlike person captivated by the love of His Father, resting in His presences, confident in His power to save.

3 Spiritual Benefits of Gratitude

These passages outline the spiritual benefits of gratitude for the love of our Father. The gratitude of a humble heart:

Gratitude Gives Clarity to the Reality of God’s Presence

The grateful heart is hope(full)hearted, leaning on the power, purpose, and peace of God in every situation of life. The promises of God never waver, His presence proclaims His promises. The practice of gratitude conditions our hearts to seek and sense, with clarity, the presence of God.

The lyrics of this song, The Presence of God, is an offer of thanksgiving for God’s persistent loving presence giving us hope, healing, restoration, and power, guiding to the end.

Father, release the hopelessness from my heart, filling me with your Spirit. I humbly submit to Your guidance and request that you open the eyes of my heart to receive the freedom of gratitude to perceive the reality your presence. Thank you for your everlasting loving kindness that is my anchor in this chaotic world and my light to a path of peace; THROUGH JESUS CHRIST MY LORD. AMEN

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This morning my heart was stirred as I pondered the unfathomable presence, power, peace, and provision of Jehovah, the God of the universe, who is the lover of my soul. I am foolish not to trust Him.

Psalm 57:7-11 NLT My heart is confident in you, O God;my heart is confident.No wonder I can sing your praises!8 Wake up, my heart!Wake up, O lyre and harp!I will wake the dawn with my song.9 I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.I will sing your praises among the nations.10 For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.May your glory shine over all the earth.

Job 26:14 NLT …These are just the beginning of all that he does,merely a whisper of his power.Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?”

Psalm 139:1-6 NLT O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.2 You know when I sit down or stand up.You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.3 You see me when I traveland when I rest at home.You know everything I do.4 You know what I am going to sayeven before I say it, Lord.5 You go before me and follow me.You place your hand of blessing on my head.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,too great for me to understand!

Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

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The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace. Psalms 29:11 (AMP)

Anxious with a hint of panic. Unexpected life situations popping up with next best step unknown. Moved with compassion and an urgency of my own, I listened to these voicemails overflowing with broken marriages, overwhelmed widows, anguished pastors, struggles with life transitions all expressed in the context of fear. For a moment I became overwhelmed myself with the same flood of fear consuming my voice mail.

They were calling me for answers!

I calmed, a quiet reminder activated in my awareness. I am just the instrument, God will provide the comfort and clarity needed to dissipate this tide of fear.

I have not and do not always stay so grounded in my faith. Fear is my default. Anxiety, abundant in my DNA. Insecurities driven by fears of being not good enough, alone and powerless often sabotage any clarity or wisdom I may have.

But my security is covered by the truth that I am more than enough through God’s provision (Philippians 4:19) , I am never alone as God will never stop loving me (Romans 8:39), and am empowered by the presence God’s Holy Spirit within me – I am one with Him as Jesus (John 17:11)

Why is it so hard to OWN the truths we as possess as His children? We know it in our head but struggle to believe it in our hearts and live like it is true. The truth is we are His and our DNA changes when we become His.

A recent Ted Talk by Shawn Achor, listed random acts of kindness, grateful thinking and meditation as activities that cause a rise of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine produces an increase in energy and creativity. Science uncovers a way to have stronger minds and energy.

Scripture alsoreveals the importance of the same actions of grateful thinking, meditation on God, acts of kindness leading us to a life of peace. (Colossians 3:12-17) God’s presence in our heart not only gives us peace but supplies us with a wonderful source of strength and energy as we change our focus.

15-19 That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! Ephesians 1:15-19 (MSG)

So, how do we build our connection to God and strengthen our truth?

I have found it takes focused daily intention, to cultivate a healthy perspective from a soul connection to God. Connection with the Father opens us up to receive the blessing of His peace, equipping our minds to release the chaos and receive clarity with energy.

Reach Out –To maintain any relationship we must regularly schedule times to reach out and stay connected or the connection will fade. The same applies to our relationship with God. We must schedule times, regularly, to seek His presence, so we may begin to understand His love. This would include:

noticing and being mindful of nature in the moment…spending time getting to know Him in His creation.

Reflect-After spending time with God, continue to reflect and notice His presence in your day. Notice those random “coincidences” that remind you of the truths you experienced in your quiet time…I.E. The scripture you read may be woven into a song on the radio as you drive to work. A co-worker may express a concern that gets your attention connecting back to your quiet time. The list can go on…

It is important not to close the book or journal or close your mind and spirit. Keep your heart open through out the day, mindful of to the leading of God’s Spirit.

You will not see it if you do not look for it.

Receive-When we receive food, we taste it, experience and are nourished by it. To receive God’s truths for us we must experience, take it in, be consumed by an encounter with God. Allow the knowledge of truth to impact your DNA. As you change your perspective of yourself, it will change your perspective of others. It will change your thinking which will change the health of your physical brain.

Respond-Intentionality is the key factor in seek God as well as choosing to act out of your new security in Christ. As we choose compassion and curiosity over anger and personalization we will find a reinforcement of our peace and a decrease in those energy draining actions of stuffing feelings and hiding critical thoughts.

As the truth settles into the “core of your being” you will experience an enlightened strength and a powerful peace. Just “let it go down”

“Into the core of your being. And as you read, expect Him to commune with you.” When you read your Bible, receive and savor it like a love letter from God to you. Remember, you’re reading in order to meet Someone. Ponder what you have read, and apply it to your present circumstances. Let it go down ~Bruce Wilkinson

Building trust in God’s truths provides lives that overflow with hope(full)ness replacing the hopelessness of fear. I will strive to continue to grow and strengthen my security in His Truth. Reaching out, Reflecting, Receiving and Responding will give me a practice, a way to find security in God’s promise – He will help those who trust in him.

From long ago no one has ever heard of a God like you.No one has ever seen a God besides you,who helps the people who trust you. Isaiah 64:4 (NCV)

He is a Great God – please listen to this song by Plumb as she celebrates our great God.

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Hopeless couples drive to the end of a road, just on the canyon’s edge. The drive ends with a display of a charming, bright place of retreat. The warmness of the retreat facility seems to mock the cold and fear in their hearts. This was to be a 4 day marital intensive with 4 couples in crisis. 4 couples who’s marriages were hurt and hopeless.

On this cold January night, each couple sat awkwardly near their spouse next to other unknown awkward couples, at a long table, set for the evening meal. A table full of strangers lost in a fog of pain, pretending to be fine with outward social graces, masking hurt hearts.

A questioning, nagging thought…how can hope be found in this place?

The common thread was this self talk of hopelessness and fear. Fear of being judged, fear of being the most messed up couple, fear of failure in an attempt to free this marriage of the pain.

Tension was evident as I entered the room and sat at the end of the table. I was one of two therapists assigned to journey with these couples for the next 4 days, to lead them to a place of hope. My focus, as I sat down, was to pierce through the fog of tension and eat with careful conversation, allowing them to begin to find a place of comfort.

Unwrapping the gift of hope begins on the first night with the first meeting. Leading them from an empty place of hopelessness to the anchored security of hopefulness. A journey that requires trust, an open heart and a desire for healing. Trust follows a confidence in sincere caring love. Myself, as well as the entire staff, consistently show the couples that we care, we love them and then point them to the love of the Father in heaven.

The journey for the couples over these 4 days is not unlike the life journey we must all take, when we choose to live hope(full) – a life filled with hope. This hope should not just be a wishful desire. It should be a wanted expectant reality. It is a possibility as we faithfully open our hearts to the grace, love and peace of God. Faithful to trust and confident in the expectation of his presence. Hope will heal the hurt.

In Psalm 71 David speaks of his trust, confidence and hope.

In you, O Lord, I have put my trustandconfidently taken refuge; Let me never be [a]put to shame. 2 In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me. 3 Be to me a rock of refuge and a sheltering stronghold to which I may continually come; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress. 4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked (godless),From the grasp of the unrighteous and ruthless man. 5 For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trustand the source of my confidence from my youth. 6 Upon You have I relied and been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb and You have been my benefactor from that day. My praise is continually of You…..Verse 14But as for me, I will wait and hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more

a. 71:1 i.e. have my expectations in Your goodness be disappointed.

The word “hope” in both Hebrew and the Greek implies a confident expectation. It is not just a positive attitude. Henri Nouwen says it well:

Optimism and hope are radically different attitudes. Optimism is the expectation that things-the weather, human relationships, the economy, the political situation, and so on-will get better. Hope is the trust that God will fulfill God’s promises to us in a way that leads us to true freedom. The optimist speaks about concrete changes in the future. The person of hope lives in the moment with the knowledge and trust that all of life is in good hands.

Living hope(full) changes how we see ourselves, what we value and what we choose to do with our life. Hope gives us joy, peace, comfort, courage and confidence. Hope is the fuel to find healing for the hurt.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19 NLT

Hope(full) living will require a seeking and understanding of the word of God, resting in God’s grace and a realization of the presences of the Spirit of God.

So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1Peter 1:13 AMP

We can find hopefulness in a place of hopelessness by making choices, to control our mindset and strengthen our awareness. Finding hope engages the following:

H eart – In the Old Testament the word heart means; the inner man, mind, will and heart. This includes the breath of a person! Hope(full) living will take a “whole hearted” commitment to carefully examine the hurt, to expel childhood fears and perceptions, then begin to allow the filling of God’s truth in your heart.

O penness – To be hope(full) there must be an openness to allow God’s truth to have access to the heart. To have an open heart as a child that is seeking love. Rather than a hard heart of anger and pride.

P assion – Pursue with passion to be healed of hopelessness. It will take an intentional focus of thinking and effort to experience not only the knowing about God but the knowing of God. Opening the eyes of your heart will allow you to receive God. This will take the energy of a confident passion to proceed with the changes God plants in your heart. You must want to be healed.

E xpectancy – Exciting anticipation is the reality of hope(full) thinking. An open passionate heart will naturally be expectant that hopelessness will not be a permanent reality, but a distant memory of the past.

F aithfullness – A strong assurance and trust in the promises of God’s faithfulness, fully captures the essences of hope. A heart, soul and mind fueled with faith will be open to the voice of God, moving with passion, toward a life expecting the presence of God, craving the fullness of his promises.

U nity – Hope(full) living will be a turning toward God. A hope(full) heart has understanding of the union of God within us – His presences residing in us through the Holy Spirit. Realizing this unity brings a peace that is felt in our soul and evident in our life as we live in this agitated world.

L ove – Divine love changes the individual who responds to change the world. The filling of God’s love in an open, faithful, passionate heart that is constantly seeking to be united with God, causes an overflow of hope spilling it’s light to the world.

(L ook) – Observe, notice, watch, examine your life. See the world through eyes of gratitude to clear the fog of hopelessness. Gratitude fills in hope, hope builds gratitude. A hope(full) life expects and sees the light of God’s provision in the darkest places.

And [I pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will know and cherish the[a]hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the [b]saints (God’s people), Ephesians 1:18 AMP

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him]Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired. Isaiah 40:31 AMP

The hopeless couples did choose to become hope filled couples, learning how to live hope(fully) in their marriage. The 4 days were a process of hurting hearts trusting the loving presences of God in that place. Choosing to heal the hurt by opening their hearts, seeing the faithfulness and love of God then pursuing change. Day 1 is known for the weariness, day 4 reveals renewed stronger couples who are more resolved to live hope(fully).

To live hope(full), in any life situation, is God’s desire.

The purpose of this entire web site is to equip others to live hope(full) through anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, marriage, chronic illness, career losses, and other life struggles and adjustments. The color of the text points to this purpose. Green, the color for scripture, is to signify the growth and progress of our hope. In the Message, Eugene Peterson, writes in Romans 15:13, “May the God of green hope fill you up”. In Africa the color orange signifies “Hope”. Any quote or saying that gives energy to hope I will use the color orange. Color gives highlight to our lives just as the presence of hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises. Romans 15:13 AMP

The power of God is the same power that lives in us, His children. We have hope (a confident expectation) that his promises are true…we stand in victory. This is the Life that is hope(full)! Listen to Jeremy Camps song Same Powerto encourage you to make the choice to LIVE HOPE(FULL).

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The TV blared the sounds of a violence and cries of the hurting. A knot of anxiety and grief began to tighten inside my chest as the unsettling news of the day continued.

How can peace be known in this world of turmoil? How can peace be known by you, as an inhabitant of this planet earth?

Carl Sagan, an American astronomer and astrophysicist, said:

“Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark”. His scientific mind holds the view ” In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves.” (from Pale Blue Dot)

Jesus Christ, the son of God and Savior, said:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 NLT

Jesus comforts his disciples, in John 14, before His capture and crucifixion. He explains how the sightless and loveless world (v 23-14 MSG) is clueless in realizing the reality of God’s True love. Love that will be proved on the cross, so it is necessary that Jesus must “go away”(v28).

He promises they will not be lonely (v18) but will be lovingly comforted and helped by the presences of “Advocate, the Holy Spirit” that will later be “in them” (v16-17).

This “pale blue dot”, called the earth, is not a “lonely” speck but a lovely creation of a divine creator that desires for us all to “join” and be one with Him. Mr. Sagan was blind, unaware of the powerful presence of God, through Christ, in the souls of all believers. This bond, a joining of God to believing souls, is the essence of peace in the world.

Peace is mentioned over 400 times in the Bible. It is a major intention of God to give His people peace. Peace that is proved by His love.

“To make one, to join, to bind”, are descriptions of the Greek definition of peace (eirene) in the New Testament. In the Old Testament peace is the word shalom which means to be “well, rest, safe, completed, wholly”.

God’s love has joined us to His Holiness to be Wholly in His Peace.

Through out the Bible it was God’s desire for his people to experience the ” peace” (rest, quietness and harmony) of the presence of God The story in Exodus was about God’s rescue of His people:

‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Exodus 19:4

He “brought” them to himself, to be joined with Him, the creator. They were never abandon in the wilderness. His love provided for them.

God provided for us His son the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The “Wonderful Counselor”, “Immanuel” (God with us) and Savior came to earth making the way to allow us to be brought to and joined with God the Father. Jesus prayed:

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:20-23 NLT

The “gift of peace” born out a loving Father embeds His divine love into us. We choose to respond to God’s love when we extend His love to others by our actions. It is a dynamic combination! God’s love in us, then we love the world empowered by the peace we have in the Father. His loveempowers our love. We are vessels of His peace on earth.

Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Romans 12:9 (MSG)

Next verse…

Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good.

Which is similar to what David said in Psalms 85:8

I will listen to God the Lord. He has ordered peace for those who worship him.Don’t let them go back to foolishness. (Psalms 85:8 NCV)

We have a choice to continue to pursue peace, to produce love or wander aimlessly, loosing our path toward peace. The following Hymn found in Divine Hours Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime (pg 362) gives guidance on how to choose with intention.

The second verse reads:

In your hearts, enthrone Him; there, let Him subdue All that is not holy, all that is not true: May your voice entreat Him in temptation’s hour: Let His will enfold you in its light and power. by C Noel

Enthrone and entreat God and He will enfold you with His light and power.

Pursuing peace requires this kind of engagement of the heart, soul and mind. There are 5 things we can choose to do each day to heighten our pursuit of peace. We must be:

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“I quit!” I declared, expressing my unsettled sentiment about the day, the week, the month, the season. Not only did everyone I talked to that day have issues of great grief, which were compounded by the season of “happy holiday”, but my own physically weariness was overwhelming.

“Tis the season to be Jolly, Fa-la,la….”

For many, Thanksgivingmarks the beginning of struggle through a desperate, dark season of sorrow and pain. Can thanks-giving be possible as we experience life’s losses?

Healing through grief requires an expanded perspective. We have a choice, to focus on what we are missing by our loss or to open our focus to include the reality of God’s presence.

“Gratitude provides a window to a windowless room…God asks us to show Him gratitude in the dark times of change because He knows that’s how we find Him in the dark. He knows that’s how we find the Light in the dark. The focus on what is missing blurs, and the focus on what is present sharpens.” ~Kristen Strong

An ordinary picture can be edited by color and light adjustment, creating the best version of the captured scene. Gratitude “edits” our circumstance, highlighting the color and light of the presence of God.

Always be joyful.Never stop praying.Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. I Thessalonians 5:16-19 NLT

Always be joyful. Pray continually,and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus. Do not hold back the work of the Holy Spirit. I Thessalonians 5:16-19 NCV

Trusting God’s claim on our lives, His adoption as His child, His provision through the darkness, opens the window to let in the light of His presences. Having an “eye” for gratitude opens our heartfelt trust in the loving-kindness of our merciful Father. We must learn to see life through God’s promises, not our circumstances.

Through the focus of gratitude the “eyes of our heart” can begin to see how God is bringing comfort to our world through the words, actions and presences of loving friends. The “perfect timing” of needed resources that are made available become gifts from a loving Father to support us through our time of need.

The Greek word for thankful in the I Thessalonians text is Eucharisteo.

εὐχαριστέωeucharistéō, yoo-khar-is-teh’-o; from G2170; to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal:—(give) thank(-ful, -s).thank(-s, -worthy).

Science has proven the value of gratitude which is “God’s will” for those who are His children. Neuroscience has pursued the benefits of the grateful brain. It has been proven that the practice of intentional, focused gratitude and appreciation can activate the hypothalamus, increase dopamine, heighten the immune system, improve sleep and over all sense of well being. Sign me up!

Science proves the wisdom of the spiritual practice of gratefulness.

The call to be grateful is a call to trust that every moment of our life can be claimed as the way of the cross that leads us to new life. Can we be grateful for everything that has happened in our life—not just the good things but for all that has brought us to today? Gratitude belongs to the core of the life of Jesus and his followers. —Lifesigns by Henri Nouwen

Fear is replaced by faith as we trust who we are in Christ. Our trust is strengthened by our gratefulness for God’s presence in our lives as we realize the reality of His Grace.

**But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57 NLT

The word “thank” in this text is the Greek word:

χάριςcháris, khar’-ece; from G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):—acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure,

The same Greek word is used as the word “grace” in the following verses:

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus[a] be with you. Romans 16:20 NLT

Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. John 1:16 NIV

Charis is part of the word Eucharisteo. Grace unfolds into Gratitude, which points to the Glory of the Grace of God in our lives. SO true gratitude, embodied in our lives, (I Corinthians 15:57) will empower effective action for the kingdom.

**So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. I Corinthians 15:58

SO I do not quit! I will embrace the grace of God as I am confident we will have victory over the losses and grief in our lives. I am grateful I can walk beside the hurting and witness the healing only the grace and God can give. GOD is GREATER THAN ALL I am grateful to be His.

A Prayer for Thanksgiving

(from the Book of Common Prayer)

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have
done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole
creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life,
and for the mystery of love.We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for
the loving care which surrounds us on every side.We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best
efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy
and delight us.We thank you also for those disappointments and failures
that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the
truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast
obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying,
through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life
again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know him and
make him known; and through him, at all times and in all
places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

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It is a comfort to know that this chaotic world is held by a sovereign God Who is the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17) , and has compassion on all His works (Psalms 145:9) with a wisdom that is beyond our capabilities to comprehend (Romans 11:33-36). The presence of this love brings a peace as we trust His control.

Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out.

Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do? Anyone who has done him such a huge favor

Thanks you, Father, for the generosity of your provision, the wisdom of your guidance and the comfort of your presence giving me a peace beyond my understanding, it is in the name Jesus Christ I give this thanks~ AMEN

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You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them,yet they are more than can be told. Psalms 40:5 (ESV)

A drought has dominated the climate in Texas and Oklahoma for many years. This spring, the rains finally came! Lakes and rivers are filling up, ending the desolation of the drought. Recently I visited one of those dry lakes that had been transformed into an oasis, full to the brim. The flood gates of the dam had to be opened allowing water to flow out into the river. Opening the flood gates expanded this oasis, spreading it’s transformation to the parched landscape.

God’s glory is like a lake brimming over. David exclaims, in Psalms 40, that none can compare to the wondrous “deeds and thoughts God has toward us”! David’s feeling of thanksgiving flows from the filling up of God’s Glory as he realizes the truth of God.

Like the flood gates, David is ready to release the overflow of God’s glory in his life. David’s thankfulness in his worship of God, is a proclamation for others to take refuge, trusting and relying on God (v3-4) to realize the transformational impact of the blessings of God.

5.Thankfulness in the worship of God

What is the depth of the filling of blessings in your heart? Is it dry or overflowing?

16 I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I always remember you in my prayers,17 asking the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you will know him better. 18 I pray also that you will have greater understanding in your heart so you will know the hope to which he has called us and that you will know how rich and glorious are the blessings God has promised his holy people. Ephesians 1:17-18 (NCV)

The Amplified Version translates v18: “Having the eyes of your heart flooded with light so that you will know and understand the hope..” . Are the “eyes of your heart” able to see God’s blessings in your life?

Thankfulness is a habit, a way of observing life. Abraham had the habit of praising God, giving strength to his unwavering trust. David was habitually earnest as he constantly recalled the deeds of the Lord done, not only on his behalf, but on behalf of the nation of Israel. The leader, Moses, often reminded the people of God’s provision and protection as they were freed from the slavery.

Abraham – No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God. Romans 4:20 (AMP)

David – I will (earnestly ) recall the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will (earnestly) remember the wonders (You performed for our fathers) of old. Psalm 77:11 (AMP)

Moses – But you shall (earnestly) remember the Lord you God, for it is He Who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18 (AMP)

The eyes of faith can look back at life and see the impact of God’s presence. Examining the past with an eye of thanksgiving can enlighten our outlook of the present. Most of us are not in a habit of intentionally looking at life through the lenses of thanksgiving.

The brain, as an organ, wants to conserve energy. Harvard researchers “have found that nearly half our waking hours are spent on autopilot, in which a wandering mind predominates.” The brain is not naturally “earnest“.

Earnest thankfulness will need to be intentional, persistent, and active. The key to changing any mental habit is to give earnest focus. In a recent article on changing habits in Psychotherapy Networker, Steven Stosny, stated that “Mental focus amplifies and magnifies whatever we’re thinking about, making it more important to us”

The driving force behind our thinking is perception. We all have a default, habitual perception; our “autopilot”. Perception may be from the eyes of fear or the eyes of faith. We can chose to run on autopilot or focus on forming a perception based on the reality of God’s truths and presences. Perception is an important key to changing your life. To earnestly change your life, you must begin to change the way you see.

The attitude of gratitudedevelops a perception of thankfulness which requires earnest focus on the glory of God filling our world, our lives, and our hearts. It is our choice to let the filling of our hearts begin and open our flood gates to let the flow of thanksgiving into the lives of others.

As, David, a Sixth century Welsh believer wrote:

Through you His love and light and life can freely flow.

Can you receive His love, light and life to allow it to fill you to the brim?

It may be time to re-valuate your life, to look at your life through the eyes of faith, so you can move forward feeling the gift of thanksgiving. Writing a time line of your life is a way to re-evaluate your perception. I have posted, on my resource page, an example of how to do a life timeline. The key is to examine your life from beginning to end recording times and events that were life giving to you. Self examine how these events had an impact on your faith.

Being more aware of those small things you value is an effective way to strengthen your habit of thankfulness. I.E. The laughter of a child, the voice of your loved one, a cool breeze in June, rain on your skin, the fragrance of flowers, the beauty of each unique sunrise…the list goes on. Journaling any affirmation and appreciations you may have each day can also build your awareness of the filling of God.

Let the eyes of you heart see the Glory of God present in your life and let the flood gates open to let His glory flow!

To the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Psalms 30:12 (AMP)

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Rain had caused a less than perfect day as we traveled to view the volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our visibility at times was obstructed by fog or heavy rain.

The weather did not hamper our wonderment of the unique beauty of the island, bountiful with ocean views, colorful birds, fragrant flowers, contrasting with the black starkness of the lava rock.

After hours of being hammered, misted and fogged by the moist day we emerged as the sun set, to find an unforgettable sight. Clarity in a clear sky, following a stormy day, caught our wondering eyes by surprise.

There was Mauna Kea in full view as the setting sun caught the detail of it’s snow covered crown, dotted with huge erect telescopes of the star gazing observatory. The breath taking view framed with colors of purple, blues and pink created a visual memory that only God could create.

The sight made the day worth the struggle, to have been able to arrive at this moment to experience the unfolding beauty of setting sunlight, parting clouds and the majestic presences of the mountain.

Focusing on the treasure of that moment gave energy from and connection to our creator, reminding us of His continuous power and provision. Should that connection just be reserved for moments on vacation OR can there be “mini” vacations through out the day as we focus on little treasures that are present in our daily lives. I must slow down and LOOK –

The following is a prayer written by Orin L. Crain in 1957.

Read his prayer slowly. Release the busyness of your thoughts, letting go of all the future and past to focus on the moment.

Slow me down, Lord! Ease the pounding of my heart By the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace With a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, Amidst the confusion of my day, The calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves With the soothing music of the singing streams That live in my memory. Help me to know The magical restoring power of sleep. Teach me the art Of taking minute vacations of slowing down to look at a flower; to chat with an old friend or make a new one; to pat a stray dog; to watch a spider build a web; to smile at a child; or to read a few lines from a good book. Remind me each day That the race is not always to the swift; That there is more to life than increasing its speed. Let me look upward Into the branches of the towering oak And know that it grew great and strong Because it grew slowly and well. Slow me down, Lord, And inspire me to send my roots deep Into the soil of life’s enduring values That I may grow toward the stars Of my greater destiny

God’s desire for us is to be without distress, freely focusing on His gifts, trusting His care.

John 14:27 (AMP) 27 Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.

1 Peter 5:7 (AMP) 7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully

Monumental moments can be missed by the diversion and distraction of stress. Our God, the great I AM is present in this life. LOOK …..

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The new year morning started quiet with the stillness of a bitter crisp cold. The sky is a white grey covering over the white frosty colorless ground. The only movement is the constant flutter of birds at the feeder and the consistent flow of the pond water fall. Both seem to mock the power of the deep freeze.

As I sit on my enclosed porch in front of the corner stove, with fragrant candles lit and warm tea in my cup I am content with the comfort of my senses. I am poised to ponder this dawning of a new year. The freshness of the possibilities of a new forward can form feelings of hope and anticipation.

I choose to focus forward and not fall failing frozen into my failures of last year. I can indeed embrace my failures and learn from each experience but I will not be defined or dwell on those failures. Paul expresses this mindset in Philippians 3:13 (NLT)

…..I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

“Strain forward” or “reaching out for things that lie ahead” are words of other translations. To forget the past, look forward, strain forward and reach out for things ahead is the onefocus I choose to take for this new year. What would be the components of a forward focus?

The book My One Word, by Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen, describes the positive impact of the focus one word had on the lives of people dedicated to live with an awareness of their chosen one word for the year. The book is an inspiration to read on the importance of focus. As I focus on how to move forward I narrowed down my plan to 4 words: To ASSIMILATE, APPRECIATE, ABIDE and ACT

ASSIMILATE is the mental “absorbing of”, “soaking up”, “taking in” understanding of your world. That includes not only the physical but your emotional and spiritual world as well. To take time to be balanced in assimilating information through not just your intellect but your 5 senses as well. To be AWARE, mindful. Inner and outer world. Inner world of your emotion which is based on feelings and not fact. The inner world of God’s truths and His presences, His indwelling in your soul. The outer world of others in your life. How are they impacting you inner world? Your inner world interprets your outer world. How accurate is your assimilation of your interpretation? Understand your talents and strengths. Allow yourself to be creative. Explore, discover and learn about yourself, God and others. Be open. Be accepting. Be willing to learn. “Reach out, Strain and Look FORWARD to what lies ahead.”

APPRECIATEis to have gratitude. The biology of the mind and body improves with gratitude. The growth and strength of our spiritual formation improves with gratitude. Gratitude is directly tied to joy and contentment. Appreciation of God’s given Grace can enlighten the assimilation of our understanding as we press forward to become the best of who we are…the best of me. The attitude of appreciation is a powerful force as we “Reach out, Strain and Look FORWARD to what lies ahead.”

ABIDEis a multifaceted meaningful word. It means to wait and watch for, to endure and accept, to be persistent and carry on to never cease, denoting forward movement. If I was to choose one word, this would be the one.The action of assimilating and appreciating will require the constant endurance of abiding. Abiding with heart, soul, mind and strength to “Reach out, Strain and Look FORWARD to what lies ahead.”

ACT is to just DO IT! The fruit of active assimilation, appreciation and abiding fully in this life will be the activation of the good work that God has begun is us. (Philippians 1:6) To purposefully follow through to completion the reality of the fruit of the Spirit. There is a cost to service, a sacrifice, that will build our faith and trust as we enfold God’s love into the lives of others. To serve others with our love, talents, time, money will be require us to “Reach out, Strain and Look FORWARD to what lies ahead.”

What is the goal to reaching out, straining and looking forward and not look back? The following verse in Philippians 3:14 says (NIV)

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What would be your goal for 2015? To have more career success, money, less weight, better marriage, happy kids etc. The ultimate goal for God’s children is to show the world His love. This can be done through the example of our lives when we are not frozen in our failings, but instead faithful in our forward movement toward assimilating, appreciating, abiding and acting according to our hope in the what lies ahead.

The frozen world outside my window finds life in only the things that keep moving. Like the constantly moving water and the persistent feeding of birds we must keep moving forward, trusting in our God. The following scripture and song will be an encouragement as we move forward.

Psalms 29 (NLT)

Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings;honor the Lord for his glory and strength.2 Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

3 The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.The God of glory thunders.The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;the voice of the Lord is majestic.5 The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.6 He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox.7 The voice of the Lord strikeswith bolts of lightning.8 The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake;the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.9 The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaksand strips the forests bare.In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”

10 The Lord rules over the floodwaters.The Lord reigns as king forever.11 The Lord gives his people strength.The Lord blesses them with peace.

Look forward to the what lies ahead as we walk upon the waters of this new year!

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Cathy T. Burns LPC-S

The purpose of this blog is to lead others to live with intention, focusing each day through the eyes of faith allowing a healing of heart, soul, mind and body through the presence of God... living #Hope(full)